Across
- 4. inversion: A weather phenomenon in which a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the Earth's surface, preventing the dispersion of pollutants and leading to increased air pollution levels.
- 5. A substance or agent capable of causing cancer in living tissues.
- 8. A microorganism, such as a virus, bacterium, or parasite, that can cause disease in a host organism.
- 9. A chemical substance used to kill or control pests, such as insects, weeds, and fungi, in agricultural and public health applications.
- 10. island: A localized area within an urban environment that experiences significantly higher temperatures than its surrounding rural areas due to human activities and infrastructure.
- 11. The process of population concentration in urban areas, often accompanied by the growth of cities and expansion of infrastructure.
- 13. disease: A disease that has newly appeared in a population or has existed but is rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range.
- 16. air pollutant: A pollutant formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions involving primary pollutants, such as ozone and smog.
- 17. use: The human activities and purposes for which land is utilized, such as agriculture, residential, commercial, or industrial purposes.
- 18. The release of pollutants into the atmosphere from various sources, such as vehicles, industrial facilities, and power plants.
- 20. crop: A crop grown primarily to protect and enrich the soil rather than for harvest, typically planted during fallow periods.
- 21. agriculture: Farming practices that aim to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, emphasizing environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social equity.
- 25. farming: A farming method where crops are planted along the natural contours of the land to reduce soil erosion and water runoff.
- 26. A substance that damages or disrupts the normal function of the nervous system.
- 27. The accumulation of salts in soil or water, often as a result of excessive irrigation, leading to decreased soil fertility and reduced crop yields.
- 28. agriculture: A farming system that relies on natural inputs and techniques, avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms.
- 29. disease: A disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi, that can be spread directly or indirectly from one person to another.
- 30. rotation: A farming practice where different crops are planted in the same area in sequential seasons to improve soil health and reduce pest and disease pressure.
- 31. air pollutant: A pollutant emitted directly into the atmosphere from a specific source, such as sulfur dioxide from industrial combustion.
- 32. The mechanical turning and stirring of soil to prepare it for planting and control weeds.
- 33. tide: A bloom of harmful algae that discolors coastal waters, producing toxins that can harm marine life and humans.
- 34. The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically due to drought, deforestation, overgrazing, or improper agricultural practices.
- 38. system: A decentralized wastewater treatment system used in areas without centralized sewer systems, typically consisting of a septic tank and a drain field.
- 39. The artificial application of water to land to assist in the production of crops.
- 42. source pollution: Pollution that originates from diffuse sources, such as agricultural runoff, urban stormwater, or atmospheric deposition.
- 43. A row of trees or shrubs planted to provide protection from wind, reduce soil erosion, and improve agricultural productivity.
- 47. The introduction of harmful or toxic substances into the environment, causing adverse effects on living organisms and ecosystems.
- 48. The accumulation of substances, such as toxins or pollutants, in the tissues of organisms over time.
- 49. The excessive consumption of vegetation by livestock, leading to the degradation of grasslands and loss of biodiversity.
Down
- 1. A farming technique that involves creating stepped levels on sloped terrain to prevent soil erosion and improve water retention.
- 2. area: A densely populated area characterized by extensive human-made infrastructure, such as buildings, roads, and utilities.
- 3. eutrophication: The process by which excessive nutrient inputs, typically from human activities, cause accelerated growth of algae and aquatic plants in water bodies, leading to oxygen depletion and ecosystem degradation.
- 6. The process by which the concentration of a substance increases at higher levels of the food chain as predators consume contaminated prey.
- 7. A substance that can disrupt the development of an embryo or fetus, leading to birth defects.
- 12. A naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in buildings and pose a health risk when inhaled, potentially leading to lung cancer.
- 14. Water that has been used and contaminated by domestic, industrial, or agricultural activities, requiring treatment before disposal or reuse.
- 15. A farming practice where two or more crops are cultivated simultaneously in the same field to maximize land use efficiency and crop diversity.
- 19. A group of naturally occurring minerals composed of long, thin fibers known for their strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties; exposure to asbestos fibers can cause serious health risks including lung disease and cancer.
- 22. fuel: A non-renewable energy source formed from the remains of ancient organisms, including coal, oil, and natural gas.
- 23. pollution: Pollution that originates from a single, identifiable source, such as a factory discharge pipe or a leaking oil tanker.
- 24. Protocol: An international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances, such as CFCs.
- 35. degradation: The deterioration of soil quality and fertility due to human activities such as deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization.
- 36. The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise, including transportation, communication, energy, and water systems.
- 37. bloom: A rapid increase in the population of algae in a water body, often fueled by nutrient pollution, which can lead to water quality problems and ecological disturbances.
- 38. A type of air pollution consisting of a mixture of smoke and fog, typically caused by vehicle emissions and industrial activities.
- 40. hole: A region of depleted ozone in the Earth's stratosphere, primarily caused by the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances.
- 41. The unrestricted and unplanned expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural lands.
- 44. cover: The physical material covering the Earth's surface, including vegetation, water bodies, bare soil, and human-made structures.
- 45. area: A sparsely populated area characterized by natural landscapes, agriculture, and low-density settlements.
- 46. deposition: The deposition of acidic compounds, such as sulfuric acid and nitric acid, from the atmosphere onto the Earth's surface, often resulting in environmental damage.
- 50. pollution: The presence of harmful or excessive concentrations of substances in the air, including pollutants such as gases, particulate matter, and volatile organic compounds.